NEMO Losi 3P torture tested
When we put our gear to the test, we really test it. One of the things we love is our home -- whatever that may be. This time around, it's the NEMO Equipment Losi 3P, known as the palace.
What is palatial about it? It's a three person tent for two people, has a gear caddy to store all of our little things in, and we rigged up a clothes line inside so we can hang up our socks and 'home sweet home' buff. At just over 5 lbs, it's easily broken into weight for the two of us, making it a lightweight option too.
How's it hold up? We've camped on volcanic rock, sand, dirt, granite; you name it, we've probably slept on it -- all without a footprint or ground cloth. Only a few micro holes to show for it too, only visible when it's upside down and the sun shines through. Easily patched up with a tiny piece of tape or seam seal, and it's all good to go. No holes in the fly, and one small hole in the mesh (half a dime sized).
Now, even though it's held up beautifully, there was one weakness -- the zippers. The zips on the body are a small YKK zipped called a 3C zipper. For anyone familiar with Patagonia's down sweater from a few years ago, they were using the same zipper. Unfortunately, like Patagonia found out, the zipper flat out sucks. Eventually it will wear down and stop zipping, and be a true hassle. With NEMOs awesome warranty, they were able to ship us a new tent body, so it's all set! The zipper did take over 120 days to bust, so for most weekend campers, it will last years before any problem arise!
One of my favorite parts of the tent is the pole locking system. The "jakes feet" as they are known, have a ball and snap locking system. You press the end of the pole into the holder, and voila! All done. In the 136 days we have had the tent, it only popped out once, and it was dirty.
All in all, I love the jolly green giant, the palace, the Losi. We are excited to have the space to lounge around, but without the weight to break our backs. The size (floor space AND nearly vertical walls creating more tent space) is wonderful to have when you're tired after a long days hike. Leave the fly off to have a bug proof shelter but sleep beneath the stars! Its nearly like sleeping outside without a tent.
-- Ian